Description
A simple, forgiving, and delicious ground beef stew that comes together in just 30 minutes using basic ingredients. It’s a one-pot meal that is cheaper than takeout and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, chopped into 1/2-inch coins or half-moons
- 2 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed into 3/4-inch pieces
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Splash of oil (optional, if using lean beef)
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 4-5 minutes. Drain excess grease if desired, but leaving some adds flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the pot with the beef. Cook until translucent and soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Stir constantly for 1 minute to caramelize the paste and build flavor.
- Pour in a splash of beef broth (about 1/2 cup) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the remaining beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to let steam escape.
- Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in frozen peas and let them warm through for about 2 minutes using residual heat.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Do not overcook the peas; add them at the very end to maintain color and texture. If the stew is too thin, simmer uncovered or use a cornstarch slurry. If too thick, add more broth. For freezing, consider using sweet potatoes instead of russets as they hold up better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with crusty b
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 25
Keywords: ground beef stew, budget-friendly dinner, easy stew, one-pot meal, weeknight dinner, comfort food, quick recipes